Transmission scheduling optimization method and wireless user equipment device

ABSTRACT

A wireless user equipment device transmits a control channel and a data channel. Each of the control channel and the data channel include a plurality of time slots. The control channel is configured to transmit control information and includes both transmission time slots and non-transmission time slots. The data channel is configured to transmit data packets. The device further includes a processor configured to schedule at least one data packet for transmission in at least one data channel time slot that is concurrent to at least one control channel transmission time slot, and a transmission module configured to transmit the at least one data packet in the at least one data channel time slot that is concurrent to the at least one control channel transmission time slot.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of and claims priority to U.S.application Ser. No. 12/252,192, filed Oct. 15, 2008, now U.S. Pat. No.8,175,100 entitled “TRANSMISSION SCHEDULING OPTIMIZATION METHOD ANDWIRELESS USER EQUIPMENT DEVICE.”

BACKGROUND

Field

The present disclosure generally relates to wireless transmission and,in particular, relates to a transmission scheduling optimization methodand wireless user equipment device.

Background

Wireless communications systems typically include portable wirelessdevices that share at least one thing in common: the requirement of aportable power source. The amount of time that a portable wirelessdevice may spend before recharging or changing power sources isdependent upon many factors, including the requirements of the wirelesscommunications system employed, and the imposition of control parametersupon the portable wireless device by the communications system. Wirelesscommunications systems use various methods that enable the transfer ofdata and voice information between at least two points. In a wirelesscommunication system employing a Code Division-Multiple Access (CDMA)scheme, one scheduling method assigns a mobile terminal specific set ofcodes. A base station (BS) implements the channel code associated withthe mobile terminal to enable exclusive communication between the BS andthe mobile terminal.

Some standards provide dedicated channels for the transmission of datafrom a mobile terminal to a BS. For instance, the following 3GPPstandards each provide such dedicated data channels: the 25.211 standard(version 7.6.0, entitled ‘Physical Channels and Mapping of TransportChannels onto Physical Channels’), the 25.212 standard (version 7.8.0,entitled ‘Multiplexing and Channel Coding’), the 25.213 standard(version 7.5.0, entitled ‘Spreading and Modulation’), and the 25.214standard (version 7.9.0, including section 6.C, entitled ‘Physical LayerProcedures’). Under these standards, the BS is referred to as a ‘NodeB,’ and the mobile terminal is referred to as ‘user equipment.’ Userequipment may be provided with a dedicated data channel known as an‘Enhanced Uplink’ for transmitting data from the user equipment to NodeB. The Enhanced Uplink includes a transmission of at least one controlchannel along with the dedicated data channel. The at least one controlchannel has predetermined transmission periods and predeterminednon-transmission periods. The bandwidth of the Enhanced Uplink ismonitored and controlled by Node B. Node B sets transmission bandwidthand transmission power requirements for all user equipment coupled tothe node within parameters set by the wireless communication methodemployed.

Because the Enhanced Uplink is a dedicated data channel, users mayutilize their user equipment for indiscriminate and/or practicallycontinual data transmission. However, such usage unnecessarily drainsthe user equipment's portable power source, thereby unnecessarilylimiting the length of time that a piece of user equipment may be usedbefore the need to recharge or change power sources. Regardless of thetype of wireless standard implemented, the ability to effectively managetransmission power from the user equipment is crucial. The embodimentspresented herein address these issues.

SUMMARY

In accordance with exemplary embodiments, methods and devices forwireless transmission are provided. In certain exemplary embodiments, adevice and method are provided for optimizing wireless transmission froma user equipment device by scheduling data packets for transmission indata channel time slots that are concurrent to predetermined controlchannel time slots configured to transmit control information. Thecontrol channel includes time slots that have been predetermined fortransmission of control information and time slots where nothing istransmitted. By having the data channel transmit during data channeltime slots that are concurrent to predetermined control channel timeslots configured to transmit control information, transmit power andsystem resources are saved by virtue of the fact that transmission onthe dedicated data channel may cease and/or be limited during the periodwhere nothing is being transmitted on the control channel.

According to an embodiment, a method of optimizing transmissions isprovided for a wireless terminal that transmits a control channel and adata channel, each of the control channel and the data channel includinga plurality of time slots, the method including scheduling at least onedata packet for transmission in at least one data channel time slotconcurrent to at least one predetermined control channel time slotconfigured to transmit control information, and transmitting the atleast one data packet in the at least one data channel time slot that isconcurrent to the at least one predetermined control channel time slotconfigured to transmit control information.

According to an embodiment, a method of optimizing transmissions isprovided for a wireless terminal that transmits data packets within atleast one of a plurality of time slots, the method including splitting adata packet into two or more sub packets, scheduling each of the two ormore sub packets for transmission in separate time periods, andtransmitting the two or more sub packets in the separate time periods,wherein an energy level needed to transmit the two or more sub packetsin the separate time periods is less than an energy level needed totransmit the data packet before it is split.

According to an embodiment, a machine-readable medium havingmachine-executable instructions for execution by a processor is providedfor optimizing transmissions from a wireless terminal that transmits acontrol channel and a data channel, each of the control channel and thedata channel comprising a plurality of time slots, the executedinstructions performing steps including scheduling at least one datapacket for transmission in at least one data channel time slotconcurrent to at least one predetermined control channel time slotconfigured to transmit control information, and transmitting the atleast one data packet in the at least one data channel time slot that isconcurrent to the at least one predetermined control channel time slotconfigured to transmit control information.

According to an embodiment, a machine-readable medium havingmachine-executable instructions is provided for execution by a processorfor optimizing transmissions from a wireless terminal that transmitsdata packets within at least one of a plurality of time slots, theexecuted instructions performing steps including splitting a data packetinto two or more sub packets, scheduling each of the two or more subpackets for transmission in separate time periods, and transmitting thetwo or more sub packets in the separate time periods, wherein an energylevel needed to transmit the two or more sub packets in the separatetime periods is less than an energy level needed to transmit the datapacket before it is split.

According to an embodiment, a wireless terminal device is provided foroptimizing transmissions. The device transmits a control channel and adata channel, each of the control channel and the data channelcomprising a plurality of time slots. The device includes means forscheduling at least one data packet for transmission in at least onedata channel time slot concurrent to at least one predetermined controlchannel time slot configured to transmit control information, means forstoring the at least one data packet for transmission, and means fortransmitting the at least one data packet in the at least one datachannel time slot that is concurrent to the at least one predeterminedcontrol channel time slot configured to transmit control information.

According to an embodiment, a wireless terminal device is provided foroptimizing transmissions. The device transmits a data channel comprisinga plurality of time slots. The device includes means for processing atleast one data packet using a selector, the selector comprising an inputport and an output port, the selector configured to receive the at leastone data packet through the input port from a machine-readable medium,to split the at least one data packet into two or more sub packets basedon an instruction from the processor, and to send, through the outputport, each of the two or more sub packets to at least one of a pluralityof queues, the at least one of a plurality of queues configured to storethe two or more sub packets. The device also includes means fortransmitting the two or more sub packets in separate time periodswherein an energy level needed to transmit the two or more sub packetsin the separate time periods is less than an energy level needed totransmit the at least one data packet in one time period before it issplit.

According to an embodiment, a wireless terminal device is provided foroptimizing transmissions. The device transmits a control channel and adata channel, each of the control channel and the data channelcomprising a plurality of time slots. The device includes a processorconfigured to schedule at least one data packet for transmission in atleast one data channel time slot that is concurrent to at least onepredetermined control channel time slot configured to transmit controlinformation, and a transmission module configured to transmit the atleast one data packet in the at least one data channel time slot that isconcurrent to at least one predetermined control channel transmissiontime slot configured to transmit control information.

According to an embodiment, a wireless terminal device is provided thatis configured to transmit a data channel comprising a plurality of timeslots and for conserving transmission energy. The wireless terminaldevice includes a processor configured to process at least one datapacket using a selector, the selector including an input port and anoutput port, the selector configured to receive data packets through theinput port from a machine-readable medium, to split the at least onedata packet into two or more sub packets based on an instruction fromthe processor, and to send, through the output port, the two or more subpackets to at least one of a plurality of queues, the at least one of aplurality of queues configured to store the two or more sub packets. Thedevice also includes a transmission module configured to schedule, oninstruction from the processor, the two or more sub packets fortransmission in separate time periods, the transmission module furtherconfigured to transmit the two or more sub packets in the separate timeperiods, wherein an energy level needed to transmit the two or more subpackets in the separate time periods is less than an energy level neededto transmit the at least one data packet in one time period before it issplit.

It is understood that other configurations of the subject technologywill become readily apparent to those skilled in the art from thefollowing detailed description, wherein various configurations of thesubject technology are shown and described by way of illustration. Aswill be realized, the subject technology is capable of other anddifferent configurations and its several details are capable ofmodification in various other respects, all without departing from thescope of the subject technology. Accordingly, the drawings and detaileddescription are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not asrestrictive.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The present disclosure, both in terms of organization and manner ofoperation, may be further understood by reference to the drawings thatinclude FIGS. 1 through 10, taken in connection with the followingdescriptions:

FIG. 1 is block diagram of a wireless communication cell in accordancewith an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary uplink data packet channel transmissionprior to application of the subject technology;

FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary embodiment where data packets have beendelayed and/or advanced to transmit in time slots that coincide withcontrol channel transmission time slots;

FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary uplink data packet channel transmissionprior to application of the subject technology;

FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary embodiment where data packets have beencombined to transmit in time slots that coincide with control channeltransmission time slots;

FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary embodiment where data packets have beensplit for transmission;

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of instructions and/or method steps in accordancewith an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a flowchart of instructions and/or method steps in accordancewith an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment including anindividual user equipment device with various functional modules; and

FIG. 10 is a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment including anindividual user equipment device with various functional modules.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description of illustrative non-limiting embodimentsdiscloses specific configurations and components. However, theembodiments are merely examples, and thus, the specific featuresdescribed below are merely used to describe such embodiments to providean overall understanding. One skilled in the art will readily recognizethat the present embodiments are not limited to the specificdescriptions described below. Furthermore, certain descriptions ofvarious configurations and components that are known to one skilled inthe art are omitted for the sake of clarity and brevity. Further, whilethe term “embodiment” may be used to describe certain aspects, the term“embodiment” should not be construed to mean that those aspectsdiscussed apply merely to that embodiment, but that all aspects or someaspects of the disclosure may apply to all embodiments, or someembodiments.

As used herein, the terms ‘mobile terminal’ and ‘base station’ are notexclusive. For instance, a system implementing a 3rd GenerationPartnership Project (3GPP) standard may describe what previously mighthave been referred to as a ‘Base Station’ as a ‘Node B.’ Further, a 3GPPsystem may describe what previously was referred to as a ‘MobileStation’ or a ‘User Terminal’ as ‘User Equipment.’

The subject technology of the instant disclosure is described in someembodiments as employed under the 3GPP standards. It is to be understoodthat such a description of the subject technology is made by way ofexample, and that various wireless communications standards could beemployed to practice the technology disclosed herein in addition to the3GPP standards, to include any data packet transmission system.

In a certain embodiment, the present disclosure utilizes a method fortransmission and reception of both voice and data communications over awireless link. Communications between users are conducted through one ormore nodes or base stations. In some wireless communication systems(such as a system employing the 3GPP standards), an uplink refers to thechannel through which signals travel from individual pieces of userequipment (or subscriber stations) to a node (or base station). Adownlink may refer to the channel through which signals travel from anode to an individual piece of user equipment.

Data transmitted in an uplink to a node allows for that node to thentransfer that data or communication to another piece of user equipmentor to other locations, such as to a database or to a computer connectedto the wireless system with a landline. Separate pieces of userequipment may be served by a single node or by multiple nodes. Multiplenodes may transmit data between themselves and then on to respectivepieces of user equipment. Data, whether transferred during a downlink oran uplink, is usually transferred in ‘packets,’ or an accumulation ofbits of information and/or an accumulation of data symbols comprised ofindividual bits. Data may be any type of information, and is typicallystored digitally as bits comprising ones and zeros. Individual bits maybe put together to form a bit word, and a plurality of bit words may beplaced together to form a symbol, or a collection of information. Asused herein, ‘data,’ ‘information,’ ‘bit(s),’ ‘bit word(s),’ ‘word(s),’‘symbol(s),’ ‘packet(s),’ ‘data transmission,’ and ‘data packet(s)’ aremeant to be synonymous in that they are all quantifying parameters usedto describe a quantity of information or data to be transmitted ortransferred.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a wireless communication system 100, forexample, one using a data packet transmission method for communication.As shown in the figure, Node B 110 is in communicative contact withindividual pieces of user equipment 120 a, 120 b, to 120 n. Node B 110may be connected to other nodes (not shown) within a broader network toprovide coverage over a large geographic area. The node or nodes may beconnected to other networks, such as the Internet or to a landlinetelephone network such as a Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN)that uses E.163/E.164 addresses (or telephone numbers) for addressing,or to a Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (UTRAN).

User equipment 120 a through 120 n may be any number of devices, both interms of type and quantity. For example, the user equipment 120 maycomprise any number of devices, and may be of different types to includeconverged devices, smart phones, cell phones, wireless computers,personal digital assistants (PDAs), enterprise digital assistants(EDAs), or other type of individual user equipment. Node B 110 maycommunicate with individual pieces of user equipment 120 within multiplefrequency ranges and on multiple channels.

FIG. 1 also illustrates example components for an individual piece ofuser equipment 120 for use in a wireless communication system inaccordance with one aspect of the subject technology. While userequipment 120 may employ the technology of the present disclosure in anydata packet transfer communication system, an exemplary embodiment ofthe subject technology comprising user equipment 120 is described hereinwith respect to a wireless system implementing a 3GPP communicationspecification.

As shown in FIG. 1, the user equipment 120 includes a processor 160,machine-readable media 125, a transmission module 130, a selector 140,and data queues 150 a, 150 b, and 150 c. In an embodiment of the subjecttechnology, processor 160 controls the flow of data that has beenuploaded to the user equipment 120, e.g., through a USB port, and/orcontrols the flow of data that has been stored in machine-readablemedium 125.

The following discussion of the subject technology describes embodimentsthat may advance and/or delay and/or combine at least one data packetwithin a plurality of data channel time slots that are concurrent to aplurality of predetermined control channel time slots configured totransmit control information. An additional embodiment describessplitting a data packet among multiple data channel time slots.Implementation of any these embodiments provides a potentialtransmission power savings as described herein.

In an embodiment of the subject technology, the user equipment 120 isprovided with a dedicated data channel and at least one control channel(hereinafter: ‘at least one control channel,’ or, simply ‘controlchannel’) for transmitting data from user equipment 120 to the Node B110. The control channel transmits procedural information relating tothe data channel, such as transmission power levels and whether the userequipment 120 could use greater bandwidth or not from Node B 110.Notably, the control channel, as implemented under the 3GPP wirelesscommunications standards, comprises both predetermined transmissionperiods and predetermined non-transmission periods.

Processor 160 controls machine-readable medium 125, selector 140, andtransmission module 130 in view of the control channel's predeterminedtransmission and non-transmission periods. Data that is intended to betransferred on the dedicated data channel may be uploaded to, and/orstored in, machine-readable medium 125 as bits, words, bit words,symbols, and/or data packets. Processor 160 instructs machine-readablemedium 125 to transfer data to be transmitted on the dedicated datachannel to selector 140. Selector 140 separates the data, based on aninstruction from processor 160, into groups of data packets and/orsub-packets, and these are then transferred to a queue or queues (e.g.,queue 150 a, 150 b, 150 c) to await transfer to the transmission module130 for transmission. Selector 140 may be configured to transfer databetween queues 150 a, 150 b, and/or 150 c, and back again, and/or totransfer data to and from the queues to machine-readable media 125.

Based on an instruction from processor 160, selector 140 may advance adata packet from an original transmission schedule serviced by queue 150c to a new transmission schedule serviced by queue 150 a. For example,the advanced data packet may be moved by selector 140 from a queuerepresenting an original data channel time slot to a queue representinga new data channel time slot, where the original data channel time slotwould have been concurrent to a control channel time slot configured asa non-transmission period, and the new data channel time slot isconcurrent to a control channel time slot configured to transmit controlinformation. Additional examples of advancing a data packet aredescribed below in relation to FIGS. 2 and 3.

Selector 140, based on an instruction from processor 160, may delay adata packet from an original transmission schedule serviced by queue 150a to a new transmission schedule serviced by queue 150 c. For example, adelayed data packet may be moved by selector 140 from a queuerepresenting an original data channel time slot to a queue representinga new data channel time slot, where the original data channel time slotwould have been concurrent to a control channel time slot configured asa non-transmission period, and the new data channel time slot isconcurrent to a control channel time slot configured to transmit controlinformation. Additional examples of delaying a data packet are describedbelow in relation to FIGS. 2 and 3.

Also based on an instruction from processor 160, selector 140 maycombine more than one data packet from an original transmission scheduleserviced by one or more queues, for example, queues 150 b and 150 c, toa new transmission schedule serviced by queue 150 a. For example, acombined data packet may be moved by selector 140 from a queue (ormultiple queues) representing an original data channel time slot(s) to aqueue representing a new data channel time slot, where the original datachannel time slot(s) would have been concurrent to a control channeltime slot configured as a non-transmission period, and the new datachannel time slot is concurrent to a control channel time slotconfigured to transmit control information. Additional examples ofcombining a data packet are described below in relation to FIGS. 4 and5.

Certain wireless transmission methods (such as the 3GPP standards)require that the user equipment 120 transmit at a higher power level forlarger groups of data symbols than that required for smaller groups ofdata symbols. In view of this, selector 140, on an instruction fromprocessor 160, may split a data packet from an original transmissionschedule serviced by queue 150 a to a new transmission schedule servicedby multiple queues, e.g., queues 150 b and 150 c. For example, insteadof selector 140 sending an individual data packet to a queuerepresenting on original data channel time slot, selector 140 may send afirst part of the data packet to a first queue representing a first datachannel time slot and may also send a second or subsequent part of thedata packet to a second queue and/or additional queues representing atleast one other data channel time slot.

Notably, in various embodiments implementing the subject technologywhere data packets are split into first and subsequent portions, thefirst portion and the remaining portion may be equal, but do not need tobe. Further, the first portion and any remaining portion(s) may be splitinto more than two groups. The only requirement for embodiments wheredata packets are split is that the portions be less than a thresholdamount imposed by the wireless communication standard requiring largertransmission power amplitude than that for smaller data symbol groups.Additional examples of embodiments involving the splitting of a datapacket are described below in relation to FIG. 6.

While FIG. 1 depicts a single selector 140 and three queues (150 a, 150b, 150 c) it is to be understood that any number of selectors and/orqueues or other hardware implementations could be used, based on theprecise wireless transmission device and the precise method to beimplemented, as one of skill in the art comprehends.

Further to user equipment 120 shown in FIG. 1, processor 160 instructstransmission module 130 as to when to transmit the groups of data and/ordata packets stored in at least one of queues 150 a, 150 b, and/or 150c. In an embodiment of the subject technology, processor 160 determineswhen the predetermined control channel will be transmitting in view ofthe predetermined control channel transmission periods. When data isstored in one of queues 150 a, 150 b, and/or 150 c, and during at leastone predetermined control channel transmission period, processor 160instructs transmission module 130 to transmit, on the dedicated datachannel, at least one group of data packets (and/or sub-packets) storedin one of queues 150 a, 150 b, and/or 150 c. The data in that group isthen converted to a radio frequency signal and transmitted using anantenna (not shown) to Node B 110 during a predetermined control channeltransmission period on the dedicated data channel.

In exemplary embodiments, during predetermined control channelnon-transmission periods, processor 160 instructs transmission module130 to cease the transmission of any of the group(s) of data packets (orsub-packets) that may be stored in at least one of queues 150 a, 150 b,and/or 150 c. At the end of the predetermined control channelnon-transmission period, processor 160 evaluates whether there is datain any of queues 150 a, 150 b, and/or 150 c. If data remains in any ofthe queues 150 a, 150 b, and/or 150 c, then processor 160 may instructtransmission module 130 to transmit at least one group of data packets(and/or sub-packets) stored in one of queues 150 a, 150 b, and/or 150 con the dedicated data channel during a predetermined control channeltransmission period. The group of data packets (and/or sub-packets) andthe control information are converted to a radio frequency signal andtransmitted using an antenna (not shown) to Node B 110 during apredetermined control channel transmission period.

The process of transmitting data on the data channel during thepredetermined control channel transmission periods is carried out untilall of the groups of data packets in queues 150 a, 150 b, and/or 150 chave been transmitted and/or until the processor 160 instructs thetransmission module 130 to cease transmission. Implementation of thesubject technology allows for the user equipment 120 to ‘rest’ duringthe predetermined control channel non-transmission periods, therebysaving power and system resources. Notably, not only does implementationof the subject technology save resources for the user equipment 120, butit also saves resources for Node B 110 as other user equipment maytransmit data during periods when coexisting user equipment units areresting (or not transmitting) as implemented by the subject technology.

In certain embodiments of the subject technology, quantities of data tobe transmitted might exceed available data channel time slots that areconcurrent to control channel time slots configured to transmit controlinformation. In these instances, an exemplary embodiment of the subjecttechnology makes best efforts to transmit required data packets withindata channel time slots concurrent to control channel time slotsconfigured to transmit control information, but once all of those timeslots are utilized, data packets may be transmitted during periods wherecontrol channel information is not being transmitted, in an effort toavoid and/or reduce latency of transmitted data.

The transmission module 130 may comprise a modulator that receives,through selector 140, digitized data from the processor 160 or fromother locations within user equipment 120, such as an embodiment wherethe machine-readable media 125 comprises a memory or a hard disk. Thetransmission module 130 may include any number of queues, multiplexers,coders, selectors, and memory banks as would be known to one of skill inthe art and dependent upon the precise type of transmission schemeutilized. For example, in a CDMA system, the transmission module 130 mayinclude both an encoder (for instance, a Walsh encoder) for encodingtransmissions, and a correlator that correlates the transmissions fromthe user equipment 120 to the codes implemented by the encoder. Such asetup allows for simultaneous transmissions from multiple pieces of userequipment over the same or similar frequencies within the same areacovered by an individual node for direct sequence spread spectrumtransmission, such as may be implemented using elements 120 a through120 n and Node B 110 in FIG. 1, and as would be understood by thoseskilled in the art.

Processor 160 may comprise a transistorized microchip, a discretetransistorized processor, a programmable logic controller, a centralprocessing unit (CPU), a general-purpose microprocessor, amicrocontroller, a Digital Signal Processor (DSP), an ApplicationSpecific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), a Field Programmable Gate Array(FPGA), a Programmable Logic Device (PLD), a controller, a statemachine, gated logic, discrete hardware components, or any othersuitable entity that can perform calculations or other manipulations ofinformation, and may be a microprocessor that includes a CPU among otherfunctional micro-circuitry, such as is typical in Very Large Scale- orUltra-Large Scale Integration microchips created using standardmicroprocessor manufacturing techniques.

Processor 160 may be configured to monitor and run multiple processeswithin the user equipment 120, and may be configured to executeinstructions stored in one or more machine-readable media 125.Machine-readable media 125 (to include queues 150 a, 150 b, and/or 150c) may be either non-volatile storage (e.g., read-only memory, flashmemory, magnetic media, optical media, etc.) or volatile storage (e.g.,random-access memory). Machine-readable media 125 may be used forstoring software to include instructions, for example,processor-executable code. For instance, the processor 160 may read aninstruction stored within the machine-readable media 125, and then mayexecute that instruction, which may include sending data packets to thetransmission module 130 for transmission in the radio frequency domain.

As used herein, “software” shall be construed broadly to meaninstructions, data, or any combination thereof, whether referred to assoftware, firmware, middleware, microcode, hardware descriptionlanguage, or otherwise. Instructions may include code (e.g., in sourcecode format, binary code format, executable code format, or any othersuitable format of code). Machine-readable media 125 may include storageintegrated into processor 160, such as might be the case with an ASIC.Machine-readable media 125 may also include storage external to aprocessor, such as a Random Access Memory (RAM), a flash memory, a ReadOnly Memory (ROM), a Programmable Read-Only Memory (PROM), an ErasablePROM (EPROM), registers, a hard disk, a removable disk, a CD-ROM, a DVD,or any other suitable storage device. In addition, machine-readablemedia 125 may include a transmission line or a carrier wave that encodesa data signal. Those skilled in the art will recognize how best toimplement the described functionality for the user equipment 120 for theinstructions to be realized.

The following discussion of implementation of the subject technologyreferences the disclosure in relation to release number 7 of the 3GPPstandards (including specifications 25.211 (version 7.6.0); 25.212(version 7.8.0); 25.213 (version 7.5.0); and 25.214 (version 7.9.0)),and specifically an aspect of the stated standards including dedicateddata transmission channels known as Enhanced Dedicated Channels (E-DCH).Various embodiments of the subject technology may be implemented on anydata packet transfer communication system comprising an uplink datapacket channel transmission that is similar to an E-DCH.

In a system implementing an uplink data packet channel transmission,Node B coordinates all of the data transmitted by all of the userequipment within its coverage area in a request-grant fashion. That is,each individual piece of user equipment 120 in the coverage area of NodeB 110 requests permission to send data, and Node B 110 decides when andhow many individual pieces of user equipment will be allowed to do so.In certain embodiments, user equipment 120 receives instructions fromNode B 110 on how large the bandwidth of transmitted data may be, andwhat power to transmit the data at, among other criteria. FIGS. 2, 3, 4,and 5 each illustrate an uplink data packet channel transmission foruser equipment 120 comprising at least one control channel and one datachannel, where each of the control channel(s) and the data channelincludes 60 time slots. One of skill in the art readily recognizes thatthe time slots depicted are merely exemplary, and that any number oftime slots could be implemented to practice the subject technology.

FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary uplink data packet transmission prior toapplication of the subject technology. While, for purposes of brevityand clarity, an uplink is described herein as an example of the subjecttechnology, one of skill in the art would comprehend that the subjecttechnology also applies to downlinks. As shown in FIG. 2, the uplinkdata packet transmission includes at least two channels, an uplink datapacket channel 201 for data transfer between an individual piece of userequipment and a node (for example, between user equipment 120 and Node Bin FIG. 1) and an uplink control channel 203 for controlling andcoordinating overall communication (again, for example, between userequipment 120 and Node B as shown in FIG. 1).

Also shown in FIG. 2 is channel 207, a channel that is similar to whatis known under the 3GPP standards as a High Speed Dedicated PhysicalControl Channel (HS-DPCCH). Channel 207 is not crucial for anunderstanding of the functionality of the subject technology beyond thefact that the channel is an additional control channel that transmitscontrol information 213 and 214, and that embodiments of the subjecttechnology could be implemented using either or both of control channels203 and/or 207. In certain embodiments, the subject technology describedherein may be applied to channel 207 and not to channel 201, orvice-versa. In certain embodiments, the subject technology describedherein may be applied to both channels 207 and 201.

Uplink control channel 203, in certain embodiments, may be described asessentially a ‘pilot’ channel for channel estimation. Uplink controlchannel 203 may include information on timing and power. Powerinformation may include the strength or amplitude at which the userequipment 120 transmits within the coverage area of Node B 110 (asallowed by Node B 110).

As shown in FIG. 2, uplink control channel 203 includes time slotsbeginning at zero and ending at sixty. During the time slots shown,uplink control channel 203 transmits in multiple periods. One of skillin the art readily comprehends that the periods shown are merelyillustrative for the time period covering the 60 time slots representedin FIG. 2. The periods of transmission comprise predeterminedtransmission periods 209 for transmission of pilot information (i.e.,information on timing and power, among other potential controlinformation). Also shown as part of uplink control channel 203 aredesignated non-transmission periods 208 comprising a plurality ofperiods in the sixty-slot period where uplink control channel 203 isconfigured to not be transmitting control information. In certainembodiments (for instance, embodiments implementing the 3GPP standards),the uplink control channel 203 also includes transmission periods 209 afor pilot information that is transmitted when the uplink data channel201 transmits data, for instance, as shown happening in time slots 5-7and 29-31. In certain embodiments (for instance, when another standardbesides the 3GPP standard is being implemented), the transmissionperiods 209 a are actually designated non-transmission periods 208 wheretransmissions are not made by the uplink control channel 203.

In the embodiment of the subject technology similar to the 3GPPstandards, uplink control channel 203 may include a slot comprising 2560‘chips,’ symbols, or bit words. An individual slot may comprise a pilotsymbol, a transport formation combination indicator (TFCI), and/or atransmit power control (TPC) symbol. The TFCI indicates to Node B (forinstance, element 110 in FIG. 1) the type and quantity of the data to betransmitted, and the TPC indicates to Node B 110 at what power level theuser equipment intends to transmit at, within the maximum and minimumallowed (the parameters are provided from the Node B 110, and the userequipment 120 is configured to operate within those parameters). The TPCmay also include information on previously receivedsignal-to-interference ratios, and may provide that information to NodeB. Channel 203 may also specifically include information on anytransmission power gain factors that the user equipment is applying totransmitted data, based on the type of data, the size of the data, andreceived channel quality indicators.

Uplink data packet channel 201 may transmit data packets comprising anytype of data. As shown in FIG. 2, the uplink data packet channel 201transmits twice within the 60 slot time period shown by uplink datapacket transmission periods 210, which comprise slots 5-7 and 29-31.Because FIG. 2 illustrates a schedule of data packet transmission priorto application of the subject technology, the two transmission periods210 shown in FIG. 2 have been scheduled for transmission in uplink datapacket channel time slots that are concurrent to control channel timeslots configured for time slots 5-7 and 29-31 (in certain embodimentstime slots of 5-7 and 29-31 on control channel 203 may be eithernon-transmission periods 208 or transmission periods 209 a, as describedabove). As such, the data in time slots 210 have not been advancedand/or delayed and/or combined so as to coincide with control channeltransmission periods reflected by periods 209 on data control channel303. In certain embodiments, transmission periods 213 and 214 on channel207 have been purposefully placed through application of the subjecttechnology so that they are transmitted at the same time as thepredetermined transmission periods 209 on control channel 203. Forinstance, control information 214 has been placed through application ofthe subject technology in time slots 2 and 3 to mirror the firstinstance in which the predetermined control channel 209 transmitscontrol channel information.

FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of the disclosure including uplink datapacket channel 301 and uplink control channel 303. As shown in thefigure, uplink control channel 303 includes both predeterminedtransmission periods 309 and predetermined non-transmission periods 308.Uplink data packet channel 301 includes two transmission periods 310that have been delayed and/or advanced from original time slots that mayhave been concurrent to predetermined non-transmission control channelperiods 308 (for instance, as shown in FIG. 2 where the two transmissionperiods 210 coincide with predetermined non-transmission control channelperiods 208 or 209 a, depending upon embodiments implemented). Toprovide the user equipment device 120 the chance to not be transmittingduring control channel non-transmission periods 308, the data packets onuplink data packet channel 301 have been delayed and/or advanced (forinstance, as described in relation to FIG. 1) to time slots that areconcurrent to predetermined control channel transmission periods 309(specifically, time slots 25-27 and 49-51), allowing the user equipment120 to be transmitting only during the predetermined control channeltransmission periods 309, thereby saving power and resources. Also, allof the control channel transmissions on channel 307 have been aligned byimplementation of the subject technology so that they are transmittingonly during the predetermined transmission periods 309, thereby savingpower and resources.

The subject technology coordinates transmission of data packets onuplink data packet channel 301 during the periods where uplink controlchannel 303 is transmitting control information during predeterminedperiods 309. Notably, uplink control channel 303 also includespredetermined non-transmission periods 308. The implementation of thesubject technology allows for the user equipment 120 to ‘rest’ duringthe predetermined non-transmission periods 308, thereby saving power andsystem resources. Not only does implementation of the subject technologysave resources for the user equipment 120, but it also saves resourcesfor Node B 110 as other user equipment may transmit data during periodswhen coexisting user equipment units 120 are resting (or nottransmitting) as implemented by the subject technology.

In various embodiments of the subject technology, during periods 308user equipment 120 may stop transmitting partially or entirely. As such,data transmission from the user equipment 120 is optimally scheduledbased on uplink control channel 303 ‘wake’ times, or time periods 309when uplink control channel 303 is transmitting during predeterminedperiods 309. The scheduling based on the subject technology minimizespower consumption, thereby saving valuable battery life.

In practice, consider that an initial attempt by a user to upload datawould otherwise indiscriminately fall anywhere in slots 1 through 60,and that by coincidence the user selects a time slot that coincides witha predetermined non-transmission period 308 for uplink control channel303 comprising time slots 5 through 7. Exemplary embodiments of thesubject technology may either delay the transmission of the data untilat least time slot 8-10, or advance the transmission of the data to atleast time slots 2-4, as those time slots coincide with a predeterminedcontrol channel transmission period 309 comprising at least three timeslots in length. Delaying and/or advancing may be performed as discussedin relation to FIG. 1, or using another procedure as one of skill in theart would comprehend. If more time slots are required, the device of theinstant disclosure may include as many time slots as possible on thedata channel that coincided with uplink control channel transmissiontime slots 309 as are necessary.

Although channel 303 is described herein in relation to periods that arepredetermined by a wireless transmission protocol for both transmissionand non-transmission, it is to be understood that other definitions ofpredetermined are foreseen as within the scope of the subjecttechnology. For instance, in addition to transmission periods that arepredetermined by a wireless protocol, predetermined transmission periodsare also seen as being user-selectable, as being determined from alook-up table, a state machine, as being determined from an algorithm,as being determined by virtue of a calculation performed by a processor,as being based on channel quality and/or signal-to-noise thresholds orsignal-to-interference thresholds, among any other manner, fashion, orprotocol that would lend meaning to the term ‘predetermined.’

FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary uplink data packet channel transmissionprior to application of the subject technology. As shown in FIG. 4, anuplink data channel transmission comprises both uplink data packetchannel 401 and uplink control channel 403. Uplink control channel 403comprises both predetermined transmission periods 409 and predeterminednon-transmission periods 408. Because FIG. 4 illustrates a schedule ofdata packet transmission prior to application of the subject technology,the two transmission periods 410 shown in FIG. 4 have been scheduled fortransmission in uplink data packet channel time slots that areconcurrent to control channel time slots 5-7 and 29-31. In certainembodiments (for instance, embodiments implementing the 3GPP standards),the uplink control channel 403 includes transmission periods 409 a forpilot information that is transmitted when the uplink data channel 401transmits data, for instance, as shown happening in time slots 5-7 and29-31. In certain embodiments (for instance, when another standardbesides the 3GPP standard is being implemented), the transmissionperiods 409 a are actually designated non-transmission periods 408 wheretransmissions are not made by the uplink control channel 403. Notably,the data in time slots 410 has not been advanced and/or delayed and/orcombined so as to coincide with control channel transmission periodsreflected by periods 409 on data control channel 403.

FIG. 5 illustrates embodiments of the subject technology that includedata channel 501 and control channel 503. As shown in the figure, uplinkcontrol channel 503 includes both predetermined transmission periods 509and predetermined non-transmission periods 508. Uplink data packetchannel 501 includes transmission period 510 (spanning time slots 28-33)that have been combined from multiple packets of data separated by atleast one time slot to time slots that coincide with predetermineduplink control channel transmission time slots 509. For instance, incomparison to FIG. 4, the data packets in transmission period 510 havebeen combined from an original schedule whereby the data packets wherescheduled for transmission in time slots 5-7 and 29-31. Combining thepackets may be accomplished as discussed in relation to FIG. 1, or usinganother procedure as one of skill in the art would comprehend. The userequipment device therefore is not transmitting during uplink controlchannel 503 non-transmission periods 508, saving power and resources.

Although channel 503 is described herein in relation to periods that arepredetermined by a wireless transmission protocol for both transmissionand non-transmission, it is to be understood that other definitions ofpredetermined are foreseen as within the scope of the subjecttechnology. For instance, in addition to transmission periods that arepredetermined by a wireless protocol, predetermined transmission periodsare also seen as being user-selectable, as being determined from alook-up table, a state machine, as being determined from an algorithm,as being determined by virtue of a calculation performed by a processor,as being based on channel quality and/or signal-to-noise thresholds orsignal-to-interference thresholds, among any other manner, fashion, orprotocol that would lend meaning to the term ‘predetermined.’

FIG. 6 is a graph depicting gain in comparison to data rate. In terms ofthe power expenditure of a portable device (e.g., user equipment 120 inFIG. 1), an optimal gain may be expressed as the lowest transmissiongain necessary to comply with the employed wireless standard whilesuccessfully transmitting the data bits in question. The previous can berelated to particular wireless communications standards, for example the3GPP 25.214 standard, which requires a higher transmission gain rate forlarger quantities of data bits within a time period than for certainsmaller quantities of data bits within the same time period.

Consider that Nbits1 611 depicts a data rate that is half that of Nbits2612. As shown in FIG. 6, point 613 reflects a point on the transmissionpower curve where a gain of B_ed1 601 supports the data rate of Nbits1611. Because the standard employed by the wireless communication systemrequires a non-linear increase in transmission power between the datarate reflected by Nbits1 611 and Nbits2 612, point 614 reflects arequired transmission power that is more than twice that of point 613,even though the data rate of Nbits2 612 is merely twice the data rate ofNbits1 611. In other words, despite a proportional input of bits betweenNbits1 611 and Nbits2 612, the transmission power output required totransmit the bits is greater for Nbits2 612 on a per-bit basis. Theexplicit relationship between optimal gain and user equipment powerexpenditures is that at a lower data rate, user equipment transmittingat a lower data rate (e.g., user equipment 120 as shown in FIG. 1) willneed less of a transmission amplitude gain than when the same userequipment is transmitting at certain higher data rates.

The 3GPP standard requires this type of arrangement where Node B 110will require a particular transmission power from user equipment 120based on the size of data to be transmitted. The standard requires thatlarger quantities of data be transmitted with higher transmissionamplitude than smaller quantities of data. An embodiment of the presentdisclosure addresses this issue by splitting data packets into subpackets so that they do not trigger the requirement to be transmitted ata higher power level. A sub packet is described herein as being anyportion of a packet of data that is smaller than a regular sized packet.For instance, a sub packet may be comprise a bit or bits, a symboland/or group of symbols, various parts of a data packet, and/or variousportions of a data packet. Referring back to FIG. 6, the curve createdfrom the gain compared to the data rate shows that the power used tosupport the data rate may be optimized by splitting data packets intosub packets that are then transmitted over multiple periods.

For example, consider a single data packet comprising 10,000 bits. Underthe 3GPP standards, the gain required to transmit this large block maybe 168 units of power. By dividing the single large data packet into twosub packets of, say, 4,000 and 6,000 bits, and then transmitting the subpackets at separate times, the same amount of total data is transmitted,but at less than 168 total units of power because the user equipment 120is never required by Node B to transmit at the higher power levelrequired of the single 10,000 bit data packet.

Splitting data packets may be accomplished as discussed in relation toFIG. 1, or using another procedure as one of skill in the art wouldcomprehend. For example, a selector (e.g., selector 140 in FIG. 1), onan instruction from a processor (e.g., processor 160 in FIG. 1), maysplit a data packet from an original transmission schedule serviced by aqueue (e.g., queue 150 a in FIG. 1) to a new transmission scheduleserviced by multiple queues (e.g., queues 150 b and 150 c in FIG. 1).That is, instead of selector 140 sending an individual data packet to aqueue representing on original data channel time slot, selector 140 maysend a first sub packet to a first queue representing a first datachannel time slot and may also send a second or subsequent sub packet toa second queue and/or additional queues representing at least one otherdata channel time slot. The data of the first sub packet in the firstqueue is then transmitted in a time period that is different from thetime period(s) in which the second or subsequent sub packet(s) aretransmitted.

Notably, in various embodiments implementing the subject technologywhere data packets are split into first and subsequent sub packets, thefirst sub packet and the remaining sub packet(s) may be equal, but donot need to be. Further, the first sub packet and any remaining subpacket(s) may be split into more than two groups. The only requirementfor embodiments where data packets are split is that the sub packets beless than a threshold amount imposed by the wireless communicationstandard requiring larger transmission power amplitude for large datapackets than for smaller sub packet groups.

If the data to be transmitted exceeds the predetermined limit thatrequires greater transmission power, then assume that X=the power for 1large data packet. By splitting the packets into 2 packets, thetransmission power to transmit both of the smaller packets will be lessthan X. The smaller packets need not be divided equally, and maycomprise more than 2 packets. FIG. 6 shows this relationship by point614, that is not located linearly along the curve that reflects poweroutput in relation to the data rate. Point 613 reflects a savings intransmission power where, assuming Nbits1 611 is ½ of Nbits2 612. Hence,by splitting data packets into smaller groups to be transmitted atmultiple times, the present disclosure provides for a savings intransmission power.

FIG. 7 is a flow chart of a method (or processor executableinstructions) for implementing a certain embodiment of the subjecttechnology for optimizing transmissions from a wireless user equipmentdevice, for instance the device illustrated in FIG. 1 as element 120.The user equipment device includes at least an uplink control channeland an uplink data packet channel, but may also include additionalchannels such as a channel dedicated to voice communications in additionto other channels for additional types of data or information transfer,as is common among PDAs and like devices.

In FIG. 7, at instruction (or method step) 700 a processor (such asprocessor 160 in FIG. 1) may execute an instruction to gather datapackets for transmission. The data packets to be transmitted may bestored for transmission within a memory (e.g., machine-readable media inFIG. 1). The data packets may also or alternatively be segregated withina particular portion of the memory (e.g., a queue) to designate the dataas intended for transmission. Once the data is gathered, at instruction(or method step) 710, the processor executes an instruction to evaluatethe ‘on’ time for an uplink control channel transmission.

After determining when the uplink control channel will be transmitting,at instruction (or method step) 720 the processor may optimize thescheduling of data packets for transmission to minimize transmissionpower expenditure. Optimized scheduling may comprise at least one of,and including combinations of, advancing, delaying, and/or combining adata packet. For example, a data packet may be advanced and/or delayedas discussed in relation to FIGS. 1, 2, and 3 to a data channel timeslot that is concurrent to a control channel time slot configured totransmit control information. A data packet may be combined as discussedin relation to FIGS. 1, 4, and 5 to a data channel time slot that isconcurrent to a control channel time slot configured to transmit controlinformation. In various embodiments of the subject technology, a datapacket might undergo combinations of the previous. For example, datapackets might be combined as discussed in relation to FIGS. 1, 4, and 5,and also be advanced and/or delayed as discussed in relation to FIGS. 1,2, and 3.

At instruction 730 the processor may instruct a transmission module totransmit the scheduled and optimized data packets, thereby allowing thepossibility that transmission power and system resources may beconserved. For example, in cases where a data packet has been advancedand/or delayed to an uplink data channel time slot that coincides withan uplink control channel time slot configured to transmit controlinformation, user equipment 120 may be allowed to rest in periods wherethe uplink control channel is configured for non-transmission periods.That is, because the user equipment 120 is transmitting during thecontrol channel period configured to transmit control information whilesimultaneously transmitting data packets on the uplink data packetchannel, the user equipment 120 may cease transmitting during the periodwhen the uplink control channel is not transmitting. The effect ofimplementing the subject technology is that transmission power is savedand overall system resources are conserved.

FIG. 8 is a flow chart of a method (or processor executableinstructions) for implementing a certain embodiment of the subjecttechnology for optimizing transmissions from a wireless user equipmentdevice, for instance the device illustrated in FIG. 1 as element 120.The user equipment device includes at least an uplink control channeland an uplink data packet channel, but may also include additionalchannels such as a channel dedicated to voice communications in additionto other channels for additional types of data or information transfer,as is common among PDAs and like devices.

In FIG. 8, at instruction (or method step) 800 a processor (such asprocessor 160 in FIG. 1) may execute an instruction to gather data fortransmission. The data to be transmitted may be stored for transmissionwithin a memory (e.g., machine-readable media in FIG. 1). The data mayalso or alternatively be segregated within a particular portion of thememory (e.g., a queue) to designate the data as intended fortransmission. Once the data is gathered, at instruction (or method step)810, the processor executes an instruction to split the data into two ormore components if the data exceeds a threshold imposed by the wirelesstransmission standard requiring greater transmission power for largergroups of data. The data may be split into different queues (or portionsof memory) as discussed in relation to FIG. 1 and queues 150 a-150 c.

After splitting the data, at instruction (or method step) 820 theprocessor may optimize the scheduling of data packets for transmissionto minimize transmission power expenditure by scheduling the two or morecomponents for transmission in separate time periods such that an energylevel needed to transmit the two or more components in the separate timeperiods is less than an energy level needed to transmit the data beforeit is split. In addition to being split and then scheduled fortransmission, a data packet may also be advanced and/or delayed asdiscussed in relation to FIGS. 1, 2, and 3 (to a data channel time slotthat is concurrent to a control channel time slot configured to transmitcontrol information) and then scheduled for transmission. In variousembodiments of the subject technology, a data packet might undergovarious combinations of the previous. For example, a large data packetmight be both split into two components that each individually possess adata quantity that is less than a threshold imposed by a wirelessstandard requiring a greater amplitude of transmission power for asingle, large transmission. Additionally, the first split component maybe advanced to an uplink data packet channel time slot that isconcurrent to an uplink control channel time slot configured fortransmission of control information, and a second split component may bedelayed to an uplink data packet channel time slot that is alsoconcurrent to an uplink control channel time slot configured fortransmission of control information.

At instruction 830 the processor may instruct a transmission module totransmit the split and otherwise optimized data packets, therebyallowing the possibility that transmission power and system resourcesmay be conserved. The effect of implementing the subject technology isthat transmission power is saved and overall system resources areconserved.

The instructions and/or method steps shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 may beimplemented by utilizing software, an algorithm, a processor, and/or acomputer system in response to an output of a processor executing one ormore sequences of one or more instructions contained in a memory. Thescheduling instruction may include a sequence of delaying or advancing adata packet, or of combining data packets; or of splitting a datapacket. Such instructions, processes, or methods may be read into amemory from machine-readable media, such as a data storage device and/ora lookup table (for example, machine-readable media 125 as shown anddiscussed in relation to FIG. 1). Such instructions, processes, ormethods may also be determined in real time, that is, processed and/ordetermined in response to temporal events as they occur, or soon afterthey occur, or they may be predetermined.

FIG. 9 is a conceptual block diagram illustrating an example of thefunctionality of an implementation of the subject matter of the presentdisclosure. FIG. 9 illustrates a conceptual mobile device 900 thatincludes a module for scheduling 910, a module for storing 920, and amodule for transmitting 930. In various embodiments, mobile device 900corresponds to the embodiments described above.

Each of the modules 910, 920, and 930 may represent aspects of theabove-described embodiments. Module 920 is illustrated with dashedlines, indicating that it is an optional module. Module 910 provides thefunctionality of scheduling at least one data packet for transmission inat least one data channel time slot concurrent to at least onepredetermined control channel time slot configured to transmit controlinformation. Module 920 provides the functionality of storing the atleast one data packet scheduled by module 910. Module 930 provides thefunctionality of transmitting the at least one data packet in the atleast one data channel time slot that is concurrent to the at least onepredetermined control channel time slot configured to transmit controlinformation. Any or all of modules 910, 920, and/or 930 may beimplemented using the techniques in the embodiments described above.

FIG. 10 is a conceptual block diagram illustrating an example of thefunctionality of an implementation of the subject matter of the presentdisclosure. FIG. 10 illustrates a conceptual mobile device 1000 thatincludes a module for splitting 1010, a module for storing 1020, amodule for scheduling 1030, and a module for transmitting 1040. Invarious embodiments, mobile device 1000 corresponds to the embodimentsdescribed above.

Each of the modules 1010, 1020, 1030, and 1040 may represent aspects ofthe above-described embodiments. Module 1010 provides the functionalityof splitting data to be transmitted into two or more components. Module1020 provides the functionality of storing the two or more componentssplit by module 1010. Module 1030 provides the functionality ofscheduling the two or more components for transmission in separate timeperiods. Module 1040 provides the functionality of transmitting the twoor more components in the separate time periods such than an energylevel needed to transmit the two or more components in the separate timeperiods is less than an energy level needed to transmit the data beforeit is split. Any or all of modules 1010, 1020, 1030 and/or 1040 may beimplemented using the techniques in the embodiments described above.

As used above, the term “machine-readable medium” refers to any mediumcontaining code or instructions that can be read or executed by aprocessor. Such a medium may take many forms, including, but not limitedto, non-volatile media (e.g., magnetic disks or optical disks), volatilemedia (e.g., dynamic memory such as Random Access Memory), wired media(e.g., coaxial cables, copper wire, including the wires that comprise abus, and fiber optics), wireless media (e.g., radio frequency, and othermedia in the electro-magnetic spectrum) and other forms ofmachine-readable media. Example of machine-readable media include afloppy disk, a hard disk, magnetic tape, a CD-ROM, DVD, andcomputer-readable media in general.

Those of skill in the art would appreciate that the various illustrativeblocks, modules, elements, components, methods, and algorithms describedherein may be implemented as electronic hardware, computer software, orcombinations of both. Furthermore, these may be partitioned differentlythan what is described. To illustrate this interchangeability ofhardware and software, various illustrative blocks, modules, elements,components, methods, and algorithms have been described above generallyin terms of their functionality. Whether such functionality isimplemented as hardware or software depends upon the particularapplication and design constraints imposed on the overall system.Skilled artisans may implement the described functionality in varyingways for each particular application.

It is understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps or blocksin the processes disclosed is an illustration of exemplary approaches.Based upon design preferences, it is understood that the specific orderor hierarchy of steps or blocks in the processes may be rearranged. Theaccompanying method claims present elements of the various steps in asample order, and are not meant to be limited to the specific order orhierarchy presented.

The previous description is provided to enable any person skilled in theart to practice the various aspects described herein. Variousmodifications to these aspects will be readily apparent to those skilledin the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied toother aspects. Thus, the claims are not intended to be limited to theaspects shown herein, but is to be accorded the full scope consistentwith the language claims, wherein reference to an element in thesingular is not intended to mean “one and only one” unless specificallyso stated, but rather “one or more.” Unless specifically statedotherwise, the term “some” refers to one or more. Pronouns in themasculine (e.g., his) include the feminine and neuter gender (e.g., herand its) and vice versa. All structural and functional equivalents tothe elements of the various aspects described throughout this disclosurethat are known or later come to be known to those of ordinary skill inthe art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intendedto be encompassed by the claims. Moreover, nothing disclosed herein isintended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether suchdisclosure is explicitly recited in the claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of conserving transmission energy for awireless terminal that transmits data packets, the method comprising:determining whether a size of a data packet exceeds a threshold;splitting the data packet into two or more sub packets in response todetermining that the size of the data packet exceeds the threshold,wherein a size of each of the two or more sub packets is less than thethreshold; scheduling each of the two or more sub packets fortransmission in two or more data channel time slots; determining whetherat least one of the two or more data channel time slots is notconcurrent with at least one predetermined control channel time slotconfigured to transmit control information; rescheduling at least one ofthe two or more sub packets to a different data channel time slot thatis concurrent to a predetermined control channel time slot in responseto determining that the at least one of the two or more data channeltime slots is not concurrent with at least one predetermined controlchannel time slot; and transmitting the two or more sub packets in thetwo or more data channel time slots.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein adata transmission standard for transmitting the two or more sub packetsis a 3GPP standard.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein rescheduling theat least one of the two or more sub packets comprises delaying the atleast one of the two or more sub packets from a designatednon-transmission period to at least one data channel time slot in apredetermined transmission period.
 4. The method of claim 1, whereinrescheduling the at least one of the two or more sub packets comprisesadvancing the at least one of the two or more sub packets from adesignated non-transmission period to at least one data channel timeslot in a predetermined transmission period.
 5. The method of claim 1,wherein the threshold corresponds to a size threshold to trigger arequirement to transmit at a higher energy level, in accordance with adata transmission standard.
 6. A non-transitory machine-readable mediumhaving machine-executable instructions for execution by a processor forconserving transmission energy for a wireless terminal that transmitsdata packets within at least one of a plurality of time slots, theexecuted instructions performing: determining whether a size of a datapacket exceeds a threshold; splitting the data packet into two or moresub packets in response to determining that the size of the data packetexceeds the threshold, wherein a size of each of the two or moresubpackets is less than the threshold; scheduling each of the two ormore sub packets for transmission in two or more data channel timeslots; determining whether at least one of the two or more data channeltime slots is not concurrent with at least one predetermined controlchannel time slot configured to transmit control information;rescheduling at least one of the two or more sub packets to a differentdata channel time slot that is concurrent to a predetermined controlchannel time slot in response to determining that the at least one ofthe two or more data channel time slots is not concurrent with at leastone predetermined control channel time slot; and transmitting the two ormore sub packets in the two or more data channel time slots.
 7. Thenon-transitory machine-readable medium of claim 6, wherein a datatransmission standard for transmitting the two or more sub packets is a3GPP standard.
 8. The non-transitory machine-readable medium of claim 6,wherein rescheduling the at least one of the two or more sub packetscomprises delaying the at least one of the two or more sub packets froma designated non-transmission period to at least one data channel timeslot in a predetermined transmission period.
 9. The non-transitorymachine-readable medium of claim 6, wherein rescheduling the at leastone of the two or more sub packets comprises advancing the at least oneof the two or more sub packets from a designated non-transmission periodto at least one data channel time slot in a predetermined transmissionperiod.
 10. The non-transitory machine-readable medium of claim 6,wherein the threshold corresponds to a size threshold to trigger arequirement to transmit at a higher energy level, in accordance with adata transmission standard.
 11. A wireless terminal device forconserving transmission energy and that transmits a data channel, thewireless terminal device comprising: means for processing at least onedata packet using a selector, wherein the selector comprises an inputport and an output port, is configured to: receive the at least one datapacket through the input port from a machine-readable medium; determinewhether a size of the at least one data packet exceeds a threshold;split the at least one data packet into two or more sub packets inresponse to determining that the size of the at least one data packetexceeds the threshold, wherein a size of each of the two or more subpackets is less than the threshold; determine whether at least one ofthe two or more data channel time slots is not concurrent with at leastone predetermined control channel time slot configured to transmitcontrol information; send, through the output port, at least one of thetwo or more sub packets to at least one of a plurality of queues toreschedule the at least one of the two or sub packets to a differentdata channel time slot that is concurrent with at least onepredetermined control channel time slot in response to determining thatthe at least one of the two or more data channel time slots is notconcurrent with at least one predetermined control channel time slot;and means for transmitting the two or more sub packets in the two ormore data channel time slots.
 12. The wireless terminal device of claim11, wherein a data transmission standard utilized by the means fortransmitting the two or more sub packets is a 3GPP standard.
 13. Thewireless terminal device of claim 11, wherein the selector is configuredto send the at least one of the two or more sub packets to the at leastone of the plurality of queues, to delay the at least one of the two ormore sub packets from a designated non-transmission period to at leastone data channel time slot in a predetermined transmission period. 14.The wireless terminal device of claim 11, wherein the selector isconfigured to send the at least one of the two or more sub packets tothe at least one of the plurality of queues, to advance the at least onesub packet from a designated non-transmission period to at least onedata channel time slot in a predetermined transmission period.
 15. Thewireless terminal device of claim 11, wherein the threshold correspondsto a size threshold to trigger a requirement to transmit at a higherenergy level, in accordance with a data transmission standard.
 16. Awireless terminal device configured to transmit a data channel and forconserving transmission energy, the wireless terminal device comprising:a processor configured to process at least one data packet using aselector, wherein the selector comprises an input port and an outputport, is configured to: receive the at least one data packet through theinput port from a machine-readable medium; determine whether a size ofthe at least one data packet exceeds a threshold; split the at least onedata packet into two or more sub packets in response to determining thatthe size of the data packet exceeds the threshold, wherein a size ofeach of the two or more sub packets is less than the threshold;determine whether at least one of the two or more data channel timeslots is not concurrent with at least one predetermined control channeltime slot configured to transmit control information; send, through theoutput port, the at least one of the two or more sub packets to at leastone of a plurality of queues to reschedule at least one of the two ormore sub packets to a different data channel time slot that isconcurrent with at least one predetermined control channel time slot inresponse to determining that the at least one of the two or more datachannel time slots is not concurrent with at least one predeterminedcontrol channel time slot; and a transmission module configured totransmit the two or more sub packets in the two or more data channeltime slots.
 17. The wireless terminal device of claim 16, wherein a datatransmission standard utilized by the transmission module is a 3GPPstandard.
 18. The wireless terminal device of claim 16, wherein theselector is configured to send the at least one of the two or more subpackets to the at least one of the plurality of queues, to delay the atleast one sub packet from a designated non-transmission period to atleast one data channel time slot in a predetermined transmission period.19. The wireless terminal device of claim 16, wherein the selector isconfigured to send the at least one of the two or more sub packets tothe at least one of the plurality of queues, to advance the at least onesub packet from a designated non-transmission period to at least onedata channel time slot in a predetermined transmission period.
 20. Thewireless terminal device of claim 16, wherein the threshold correspondsto a size threshold to trigger a requirement to transmit at a higherenergy level, in accordance with a data transmission standard.